Describe yourself using three words.
Generous, neurotic, perfectionist
Tell us a bit about your salon experience, education, background.
At 18 when I left for Boston University you could say I was pretty clueless about the world and was first trying to understand myself, find my passions, pave my path. When forced to pick a major two years in, I was still just as lost and randomly chose advertising, mainly because it seemed to be the path of least resistance. Once working at an agency as an account manager, I felt creatively stunted and bored to tears. My dad looked at me one day and said, “E, you need a trade, something you can do anywhere, allow you to be your own boss one day, keep you grounded.” I spent the next couple of years thinking about what he said and decided I might be good at cutting hair. I knew I was a “people person” which would support the hairstylist lifestyle, the rest I could learn. With the support of my family and a promise to them not to be a “beauty school drop out,” I enrolled in cosmetology school and earned my license. I worked for several years in high-end Upper East Side salons taking care of high maintenance woman before freaking out that I now hated my second career. I didn’t like working on woman’s hair (for reasons you might be able to assume) and found myself drawn to the few men that found their way into my chair. I had what some might call a “come to Jesus” moment when I realized I belonged grooming men and only men. I landed myself a job at Jean Claude Biguine, a salon where I didn’t need clients (it was all walk-in only) and started building myself a book of business made up solely of men. Once I got a real knack for it, I applied to John Allan’s and got the job. I found my calling there and shined. I spent the next three years killin’ it and then in 2007 left and took my business to open my very own shop. The rest as they say, is history.
What celebrity do you get mistaken for?
Julia Louis Dreyfus, especially when Seinfeld was in it’s prime. Jennifer Connolly, on my very best day.
If you could have any superpower what would it be?
Invisibility. I’ve often fantasized about being somewhere without anyone knowing I’m there. Or being able to become invisible if a situation arose that would be uncomfortable for me.
Do you have a nickname your friends call you?
I’m simply “E” to most, although some dear friends have coined me “Lollipop” (due to my large head and small body) and even “Flip Flop Lollipop” because I’m known to change my mind about things. I find all of these nicknames endearing and answer to all of them.
What are three things people may not know about you?
1) I have a secret desire to be a spin instructor (only thing holding me back is my paralyzing fear of being in front of a crowd/public speaking/performing!)
2) I’m older than I look
3) I’m an incredibly picky eater and I’ve been described by those who love me as “eating like a bird” because I pick everything apart and peck at my food
Do you have a hidden talent?
I can do a perfect manicure on myself and others, better than any manicurist in the city. Yet I still pay for one on a regular basis (makes no sense!)
List your three best personality traits and then your worst.
Best:
Determined…when I am passionate about something I will do whatever it takes
Outgoing…I can carry on a conversation with anyone, anywhere
Loving…my close knit crew has my whole heart, there is nothing I wouldn’t do for those I love
Worst:
Grudge holder…when I feel wronged, I have to work very hard to not hold onto it forever
No Patience…I tend to like instant gratification and get real cranky when I’m forced to slow down and wait
Can’t sit still…the only time I rest is when I’m sick, which is so rare, otherwise I always find stuff to keep me busy. I think the line “idle hands are the devil’s playthings” was written with me in mind
If you have 30 minutes of free time, what do you do?
Needlepoint, Soul Cycle or clean
Name one thing you consider yourself good at.
I can throw a mean party. I’m the ultimate hostess. I pride myself on it.
Name one thing you totally suck at.
Technology, oh and I would be remiss to not say math
Favorite food?
Pasta with meat sauce and a toll house cookie (the recipe on the back of the package)
You wouldn’t be caught dead where?
Back in school
List the contents of your purse.
Extra pair of contacts, iphone, earphones, mirror and red lipstick, nailfile, George Costanza filled wallet, snacks for “in case”
What story does your family tell about you?
How I lose everything. They actually have a list of items, including a pair of red shoes and a Benetton rugby shirt, that they pride themselves on remembering that I lost at camp.
What’s the last thing you’ve done for the first time?
Cooked a turkey for Thanksgiving
What was the first thing you’ve done for the last time?
Used baking powder instead of baking soda in a recipe
What part of your daily routine can you not function without?
My cup of coffee in the morning. It’s the first thing I do after my alarm goes off, even before putting my contacts in. My day can’t start without it. I make a pot of coffee for my husband and I every morning, no matter what. I take mine with a splash of cream and one Truvia. It’s my everything at that moment in time.
What do you love about your job here at FAMS?
The salon is my sanctuary. The ladies I work with are my family. My clients are friends and so many of them I also consider family. I am so proud of our team and the work we do. We may not be saving lives but we are lifting spirits, building confidence and making our clients look and therefore feel, better. It’s very rewarding both professionally and personally.